Chaplainmike

The Homily

I have heard that a good sermon will comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable. It seems that two men, much much greater than I, have done just this in recent days. Pope Francis, speaking at the World Youth Day in Rio De Janeiro, certainly afflicted the comfortable when he urged those in attendance toContinue reading “The Homily”

Saturday Ramblings 7.27.13

How was your week, iMonks? Here at the iMonastery we have have had a busy week chopping vegetables, peeling fruit, baking bread, and … and … whatever you do to meat. Grill. We grilled meat. And all of this chopping and peeling and baking and grilling has left quite a mess around the place. SoContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings 7.27.13”

Difficult Scripture – Why Did Jesus Stop Reading When He Did?

Over the past several Fridays we have been looking at extracts from Michael Spencer’s upcoming book, Reconsider Jesus – A Fresh Look at Jesus from the Gospel of Mark. In our extract a few weeks back Michael Spencer wrote: The good news is about God and what God is doing. It is not about me.Continue reading “Difficult Scripture – Why Did Jesus Stop Reading When He Did?”

Summer Sounds from CM: Soothing Summer Nights with Pat Metheny

One of my favorite musicians is Pat Metheny, jazz guitarist extraordinaire. I especially like his work with his band, Pat Metheny Group. In previous posts I have listed their 1987 album, “Still Life (Talking)“ as one of my top five records of all time. In addition to his regular colleagues and collaborations with other musicians,Continue reading “Summer Sounds from CM: Soothing Summer Nights with Pat Metheny”

Longing for a Mother, not a Babysitter

I was talking to some old friends the other night and explaining why I had decided to practice my faith in the Lutheran tradition. As we were conversing, it struck me how many of us here at Internet Monk, post-evangelicals in spirit, have taken refuge in historic traditions. Michael Spencer, the original Internet Monk andContinue reading “Longing for a Mother, not a Babysitter”

He Descended Into Hell

It is a strange thing for me to say that Great and Holy Saturday is one of my favorite services in the entire Orthodox Church year. The adjectival phrase ‘favorite service’ would have had no meaning for me when I was Reformed, because all Reformed services are either identical or aspire to be so. Continue reading “He Descended Into Hell”

Growing Old

Fourteen years ago, when I was forty, I happened to glance into a mirror. It was a winter evening, and the room was lit by only a bare bulb. In the poor light my face for the first time looked old. “I’m a severe old lady!” I thought, and thus began my mourning. Mourning isContinue reading “Growing Old”

Good News for Women — and Men and All Disciples

The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. It won’t be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42 CEB This Gospel story provides a brief glimpse into a household setting that must have been common as Jesus traveled around Palestine duringContinue reading “Good News for Women — and Men and All Disciples”

The Homily

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 6:8, NKJV) Well then, no judgement stands now against those who live in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1, Knox) Nothing stirs up dust in these Sunday morning visits like the topic of grace. Getting something for nothing is just so unAmerican. It makes usContinue reading “The Homily”

Saturday Ramblings 7.20.13

It has been a busy week here at the iMonastery. Here is what has not happened. We have not, along with what once was a decent Midwest city, declared bankruptcy. We have not delivered the royal baby. We have not been spying on our fellow iMonks’ email or cell phone calls. And we have notContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings 7.20.13”